It’s almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t have an idea about Paris.
She is on everyone’s mind, both through history and romantic visions, etc.
Paris, the city of light, where the streets breathe history and romanticism, located on the banks of the River Seine, the beating heart of art, culture and fashion.
Here are the best-known monuments in the world with the majestic Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Pyramid, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe.
The city breathes art on every corner, in the streets and in renowned museums.
Parisian’s architecture, with its eclectic mix of styles, tells stories of centuries past, each building a living piece of a cultural puzzle.
At night, the twinkling lights transform the city into a fairy tale setting, living up to its name as “city of LIGHT”.
Although, the title of “City of Light” is attributed to Paris due to its historical importance in the Enlightenment, the early introduction of public lighting and the iconic presence of the Eiffel Tower, which made the city known for its beauty and brilliance, both literally and metaphorically.
A little history of Paris:
The history of Paris goes back millennia, dating back to its origins as a small Celtic town known as Lutetia on the banks of the River Seine. The Romans conquered it in the 1st century BC, naming it Lutetia Parisiorum. During Roman rule, the city prospered as a commercial and administrative center.
Over the centuries, Paris has seen significant changes. During the Middle Ages, it became the capital of the French kingdom and an important religious and cultural center. Notre-Dame Cathedral, for example, was built during this period and became an iconic symbol of the city.
The Renaissance and the Enlightenment also left their mark on Paris. The city flourished as a center of art, science and thought, attracting renowned intellectuals and artists. The Palace of Versailles, a symbol of royal power, was built near the city during the reign of Louis XIV.
At the end of the 18th century, the French Revolution shook Paris and the world. The fall of the monarchy and the rise of the Republic radically changed the course of French history. Many crucial events took place on the streets of Paris during this troubled period.
The 19th century marked the era of modernization for Paris. Haussmann’s urban plan transformed the city, redesigning its streets, building wide avenues and squares, and creating the distinctive appearance we see in parts of the city today. The Eiffel Tower was erected in 1889 as a symbol of the Universal Exhibition and has become an icon of the city.
Paris suffered the horrors of two World Wars, but recovered and continued to flourish as a cultural and economic center. Today, it is one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its iconic architecture, art, fashion, gastronomy and its central role in European politics and history.
Main attractions
1. Take a free walking tour.
In my opinion, the best way to discover a new destination is to go on walking tours.
Today major cities have free walking tours which are an economical way to see the main sights, learn about the destination, meet new people.
They’re a quick and easy way to get an overview of a city, which helps you plan the rest of your trip.
Paris has several free tours available, here are some:
I didn’t use this in Paris, because as there are many attractions far from each other, it’s more difficult to do everything on foot, but for those who are in the city for the first time, it’s worth it to get to know the history of the city, which is very rich.
If you like it, leave a tip for the guide.
2. Climb the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower:
It was erected in 1889 as a symbol of the Universal Exhibition and has become an undisputed icon of the city, offering spectacular panoramic views of Paris.
3. Visit the Louvre Museum.
Louvre Museum:
Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many other incredible art collections. Take at least 4 hours to really appreciate the works, ideally a whole day.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral.
Notre Dame cathedral:
I had the pleasure of visiting it before the fire, but its Gothic architecture continues to attract visitors.
Expected opening in spring 2024.
5. Arc de Triomphe.
Arch of Triumph:
Built by Napoleon Bonaparte, it offers spectacular views of the Champs-Élysées and the city.
Definitely one of the best-known spots in Paris.
6. Visit the Montmartre neighborhood and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica:
A bohemian and artistic neighborhood, home to the famous Moulin Rouge among other attractions, with the stunning basilica at the top of the hill.
It has one of the best views of Paris.
7. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Luxembourg Gardens:
Located on the outskirts of the city, it is one of the most charming and beloved parks in Paris.
With its serene atmosphere consisting of beautiful gardens with lakes and statues. It is a place where Parisians and visitors seek relaxation and tranquility.
8. Boat trip on the River Seine.
Tour along the Seine:
Boat cruise along the River Seine to admire views of the city from a different perspective.
9. See works of modern art at the Center Georges Pompidou.
Center Georges Pompidou:
For art lovers, the center with its huge collection of 100,000 pieces dating back to 1905 is a must-see. You’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance.
10. Visit the National Library of France.
Another place of dazzling culture in the BnF Richelieu Ovale, a beautiful reading room with more than 20 thousand books, 9 thousand comics and 160 cozy reading spaces.
Which is now accessible to everyone and for free.
11. Stroll through Galeries Lafayette. .
The historic Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store is not only one of the first “luxury bazaars” in Paris, but also an emblem of Art Nouveau architecture.
If not to buy, but it’s worth a visit for the architecture and products for sale.
However, Srebrenica is sadly known for the massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslims carried out by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995.
12 Palais-Royal Complex.
The Palais-Royal complex is made up of shops, cafes, art, history, architecture, bureaucracy and spectacular gardens. As it is across the street from the Louvre, it is worth a visit. Don’t miss the famous Colonnes de Buren art installation in the inner courtyard
13 Musée d'Orsay.
Musée d’Orsay
A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus of the Musée d’Orsay, the second most visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre).
14 National Museum of Natural History .
Museu Nacional de História Natural:
Parte do gabinete de curiosidades, parte instituição de ensino superior – faz parte da Sorbonne – o Museu Nacional de História Natural está repleto de exposições que inspiram admiração em visitantes de todas as idades.
15 Coulée Verte René-Dumont.
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a lush-elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure.
This greenway stretches from Place de la Bastille to the Porte de Monte Poivre ring road.
16 Visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges market.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (opened in 1615).
Stroll through its labyrinth of stalls selling everything. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French gastronomic experience, this market offers a relaxed, open-air atmosphere).
17 Visit the Au Lapin Agile cabaret.
There are many old things in Paris, but for 160 years this cabaret has maintained its bohemian character. Situated on a quiet street in Montmartre, this place feels like a step back in time.
People like Picasso and Modigliani used to attend.
18 Stroll through the Champs-Élysées.
Champs-Elysees
This is one of the most recognized streets in the world, running from Concorde Square to the Arc de Triomphe.
Along passing the Little Palace, gardens, the Lafayette gallery and many famous shops.
19 Watch an opera at the Palais Garnier.
The Palais Garnier is one of the city’s pride and joys and, since its opening in the second half of the 19th century, the stage has hosted only the most refined ballet and opera productions.
20 Stroll through the charm of the Cafés of Saint Germain des Prés.
The cafés in Paris are very famous and Café de Flore and Café des Deux Magots are the representation of this tradition,
The Saint Germain neighborhood, which is on the left bank of the River Seine, gained fame with the presence of renowned intellectuals, actors and authors and to this day is a meeting point for French and foreign intellectuals, tourists and celebrities.
21 French Cuisine.
Anyone who goes to Paris cannot miss trying French cuisine, from famous and sophisticated dishes to a simple coffee and croissant.
Best time to visit Paris.
The best time to visit Paris depends on your choice and personal preferences regarding the climate, activities and desired level of tourist movement. Each station offers a unique experience in the city.
Winter (December to February):
Paris in winter is magical, with the city decorated for the end of year festivities. The days are shorter and the weather can be cold, but there is a special charm with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and fewer tourists in some areas.
Spring (March to May):
This is a popular time to visit Paris, especially in April, when flowers begin to bloom in the city’s gardens. The climate is pleasant, not too hot and not too cold, and the parks and gardens are stunning.
Summer (June to August):
The summer months bring warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. It’s a busy time, with lots of outdoor events, festivals and a vibrant atmosphere. However, it can get crowded with tourists.
See my visit to Paris in August.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is another lovely time to visit the city. The crowds thin out a bit after the height of summer, the weather is pleasant, and the autumn colors can be spectacular in parks like the Luxembourg Gardens.
How to get to Paris.
Chegar a Paris é relativamente fácil, pois a cidade é um importante centro de transporte na Europa. Existem muitos voos diretos do Brasil.
Principais meios de transporte;
Avião:
Paris é servida por dois principais aeroportos internacionais: o Aeroporto Charles de Gaulle (CDG) e o Aeroporto de Orly (ORY). Ambos estão conectados ao centro da cidade por meio de transporte público, como trens, ônibus e táxis.
Trem:
A França tem uma excelente rede ferroviária, e Paris é um importante hub. A estação principal, Gare du Nord, recebe trens internacionais e nacionais de várias cidades europeias. O Eurostar conecta Paris a Londres, por exemplo, e há trens de alta velocidade (TGV) que liga Paris a várias cidades dentro da França e outros países europeus.
Ônibus:
Empresas de ônibus como FlixBus, Eurolines e Ônibus oferecem conexões para Paris a partir de diversas cidades europeias. As estações de ônibus estão localizadas em diferentes partes da cidade.
Carro:
Dirigir até Paris é uma opção viável, mas pode ser complicado encontrar estacionamento e lidar com o tráfego na cidade. No entanto, se você estiver viajando pela Europa de carro, as estradas que levam a Paris são bem mantidas e conectadas.
Uma vez em Paris, a cidade possui um sistema de transporte público abrangente, incluindo metrô, ônibus e trens regionais (TER), que facilitam a locomoção pela cidade e arredores.
Getting around Paris.
For me, the best ways to get around are always on foot and public transport.
That’s why I always stay close to attractions and/or public transportation.
Paris is a very big city, but the public transport system is very efficient.
On foot
On foot, it is possible to admire the life of the city’s population while seeing its main attractions.
Many of the city’s main tourist attractions are about 2 KM away. When you need to go further afield, there is a very efficient metro and bus network.
Car
It is not advisable to visit the city by car, as in addition to the traffic, parking is very expensive and difficult.
If you have a car, it is best to park it outside the center and travel on foot and using public transport.
Public transportation
The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The streets are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances.
RATP is the company responsible for public transport in Paris and surrounding areas. The company mainly offers metro service, as well as an extensive network of buses, trains and trains, the famous tram on rails on urban roads.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Paris?
I always keep the location in mind when choosing where to stay, as it influences the way I get to know the place.
For me, the location must have it.
- Being close to public transport.
- Being within walking distance of the main attractions.
- Easy to get to and from, if possible, by walking.
Better transportation cost. - Be no more than 3 km from the city center and/or attractions.
Paris is a very big city, with options for all tastes.
The main ones are:
Best price: Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Famous for the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, this neighborhood has a village charm and stunning views of Paris.
Due to lower rent and home to many students.
With all this, it is a busy neighborhood both day and night. Peace and quiet is not what you will find here.
Best location: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A bohemian neighborhood, full of antique bookstores, art galleries, elegant boutiques and literary cafés. It is a culturally rich area, perfect for art and history lovers.
Very close to the Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars and within easy reach of all other attractions.
A little more expensive than other areas, but it’s worth it, for the practicality and all the conveniences. This is a busy and touristy area.
Best for panorama: Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars (7th arrondissement)
Champs-Élysées and surroundings:
If you like being close to large avenues, designer stores and famous tourist attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, this area is ideal. However, it is more expensive, crowded during the day and night and quite touristy.
Good price and great location – 15ème – Parc des Expositions Reserve
This large, predominantly residential neighborhood ranges from very upscale in the area bordering the 7th arrondissement and the Seine, to relatively safe and affordable in the more peripheral areas.
I stayed around the Cambronne metro station, which is about 500 meters from the Champs de Mars (Campo de Mars).
Perfect location, but with an air of tranquility, especially at night.
Best for student vibes: Quartier Latin (5th arrondissement)
Latin Quarter: Home to the Sorbonne, this area is lively and full of life, with many restaurants, bistros, bookstores and a student atmosphere.
It’s great to walk through its old-fashioned streets.
Due to the Sorbonne the neighborhood is a large student area and, given its proximity to the Seine, it is very busy. You’ll be in the middle of the action when you stay here.
Best overall: Le Marais (4th arrondissement)
Le Marais: A trendy neighborhood known for its contemporary shops, modern art galleries, trendy cafes and lively nightlife.
The narrow, winding streets are full of ancient architecture, half-hidden courtyards and a few museums. It is a very popular area with locals and tourists.
Best for being central: Les Halles (1st arrondissement)
Nothing more central than Les Halles, this chic and bustling neighborhood is centered on Paris’ former central market, Les Halles. Today there is an underground shopping mall and the surrounding streets are full of designer stores, cafes and artisanal food stores.
After choosing the best place, you are ready to choose the hotel.
But first, look at the transport access to get around Paris.
Where to stay in Paris?
Over time, the way we travel and stay changes.
I’ve been to 5-star hotels and hostels with shared rooms for up to 10 people.
Today I have been looking for a new way to stay that is a mix of Airbnb and hotels.
They are “apartments”, small or not with the infrastructure to cook, so in addition to having better privacy, they save on the cost of meals and I am not paying for infrastructure that I do not use, such as a swimming pool, gym, etc.
They are classified between economic and medium, but with very significant savings.
I explain better here.
Economic:
Aloha Hostel is situated in Paris, 1.9 km from Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles and 1.9 km from Eiffel Tower.
Rooms are equipped with a shared bathroom and offer free WiFi throughout the property.
Average:
Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel Cambronne 15ème
Located in the 15th district of Paris, just a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, ibis Paris Tour Eiffel offers a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi in all areas and luggage storage. Cambronne Metro Station is just 150 meters away.
LUX:
Novotel Paris Les Halles is located in the heart of Paris. From this hotel, you can shop in the nearby neighborhoods of Rue de Rivoli, Boulevard Haussmann or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore.
Gastronomy in Paris.
Parisian cuisine is incredibly diverse and offers a variety of delicious dishes.
Some of the Main Dishes.
Croissant:
A French classic, the croissant is a layered bread, buttery and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It is an essential item in the Parisian breakfast.
Steak frites: A simple but delicious dish, consisting of a juicy steak accompanied by crispy fries. It’s a popular choice in many cafes and bistros.
Coq Au Vin:
This dish consists of chicken cooked in red wine, usually accompanied by mushrooms, onions and bacon. It’s a comforting meal full of flavors.
Escargot:
Snails are prepared with garlic and herb butter and baked in the oven. It is a French delicacy enjoyed by many, especially as an apéritif.
Ratatouille:
A Provençal vegetable dish, it consists of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and herbs slowly cooked until soft and flavorful.
Crème brûlée:
A classic French dessert, it consists of vanilla cream topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.
Tipical drinks:
Wine:
France is famous for its wines, and Paris is a great place to try a wide selection. French wines such as Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Champagne and many others can be found in bars, restaurants and specialized stores.
Coffee:
Paris is known for its café culture. Try an espresso at a classic Parisian cafe, like a café au lait (coffee with milk) or a café crème (a little lighter than café au lait).
Eau de Vie:
A variety of French spirits distilled from fruit, such as Eau de Vie de Poire (pear brandy) or Eau de Vie de Framboise (raspberry brandy), which are enjoyed as after-meal digestifs.
Bière (Beer):
Although France is best known for its wine, beer is also popular. You will find a variety of local and international beers in bars and restaurants.
3-day itinerary in Paris.
In my experience, any city can be well visited in two full days.
Depending on the type of visit you want to make.
However, Paris is one of the exceptions, it needs at least 3 days
Anyone who thinks about Paris certainly wants to see many of the places like the Eiffel Tower, River Seine, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Moulin Rouge, Champs-Élysées, etc.
First day.
I recommend starting at the Tower as early as possible, as there is less queue and taking good photos at the top is much easier.
On a clear day like ours, you have a very beautiful view of Paris, basically 360 degrees of the city.
After leaving the Tower, you are already at the port where tours along the River Seine depart.
The tour along the River Seine is super pleasant, where you can see monuments, museums, palaces, among other tourist attractions.
It’s a program for the whole family, as well as being romantic for those who are in the mood.
Crossing the Pont d’Iéna bridge you reach Jardins du Trocadéro, where the Paris aquarium is located, and following a little further you reach the Trocadéro stop and AV Kleber.
Along Avenida Kléber, you can find a charming mix of residential buildings, luxury hotels, embassies and some sophisticated shops. It stretches from Place Charles de Gaulle (where the famous Arc de Triomphe is located) to place de Trocadero, offering magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower in some sections.
For lunch, there are many cafes, restaurants, etc. in the area.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most emblematic and recognizable monuments in Paris. Built in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, at the top of the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue, this imposing monument pays homage to the French soldiers who fought and died during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Champs-Élysées is famous for its elegant architecture, lined with imposing buildings, luxury shops, theaters, exquisite restaurants, charming cafes and internationally renowned boutiques. It serves as an icon of Parisian style and is a popular destination for shopping, entertainment and tourism.
The avenue passes through the Jardin des Champs-Élysées and ends at Largo da Concórdia.
I recommend returning to the hotel to rest, as Paris at night can be much more beautiful than during the day.
At night
Taking a boat tour along the River Seine is a great start to the evening.
Many tourists gather near Rio, next to the Eiffel Tower to see the lights being turned on.
It’s a spectacle in itself.
Second day
A good part of the day should be spent visiting the Louvre museum.
For about 4 hours, inside the museum, you can see the main works, it is simply magnificent, a summary of all the others.
The Louvre Museum is one of the most renowned museums in the world, located in the heart of Paris, on the right bank of the River Seine. It is not only one of the largest museums in the world in terms of exhibition area, but it also houses one of the largest and most diverse collections, with works of art ranging from Antiquity to the 19th century.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore an impressive amount of art and artifacts, including world-famous masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” the “Victory of Samothrace,” the Greek sculpture of the goddess Nike, the ” Venus de Milo”, among many other pieces.
Upon leaving the Louvre, head to the Montmartre neighborhood, whose narrow, winding streets are full of quaint cafes, cozy restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and street artists. Place du Tertre is especially known for its local artists, where painters and caricaturists display their talent and offer portraits to visitors.
Also home to the Moulin Rouge and the famous Sacré-Cœur basilica.
In addition to, of course, one of the most beautiful views of Paris.
As you are already in the neighborhood, how about a night out with the Moulin Rouge show or other attractions.
Third day
Although the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral is not yet ready, with plans for the Neuf Cole Bridge to the left bank of the River Seine, the Georges Pompidou Center is reached.
It’s worth two hours to explain his works.
Returning and crossing the River Seine, you reach the Latin Quarter where the Pantheon is located and another 100 meters away, rest in the Luxembourg Gardens.
After a good rest in the gardens, just continue another 1000 meters to the Paris catacombs.
If you still have breath, get lost in the streets of Montparnasse.
Nothing better than a beautiful dinner washed down with good French wine.
How much does it cost?
3 styles and their costs
Backpacker:
Stayed in hostels using shared dormitories, eating your own food and/or cheap local restaurants, using local transport, exploring the city on foot and taking tours for free or cheaper.
Daily expenditure: from US$ 70.00 to 90.00 per day
Intermediary:
Stay in hostels/budget hotels in private rooms, eat in a medium-sized restaurant, go to the main paid attractions, use some taxis and Uber.
Daily spending: US$100.00 to 250.00 USD per day.
Luxurious:
Stayed in the best hotels, go to all the attractions, hire more sophisticated packages such as use of a helicopter, etc.
Daily spend: US$300.00 and above per day
